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Fire Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Fox Valley Fire & Safety

Field Safety Inspector

Elgin, IL · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Develop a strong understanding of the fire protection and life safety industry. * Lead and drive safety compliance among all field technicians. * Conduct routine field inspections and audits to ...

Wje

Fire Protection Engineer | 10+ years

Northbrook, IL

$101K - $169K/yr

... Fire Protection Engineer to join our dynamic and diverse team of engineers and designers. This ... Perform on-site investigations, condition assessments, and inspections, which may include surveying ...

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All JobsFire Inspector JobsFire Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

Fire Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$38.8K

$65.8K

$102K

How much do fire inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire inspector in Chicago, IL is $65,806.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,900.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

Fire inspectors with specialized skills, such as fire protection engineers or those with advanced certifications and extensive experience, tend to earn higher salaries. Senior-level inspectors working in large urban areas or for government agencies also typically receive higher pay. Certifications like NICET or state licenses can contribute to increased earnings in this field.

What Is a Fire Inspector?

A fire inspector is responsible for inspecting existing and new buildings to ensure that they are up to code and do not present any fire hazards. It is a fire inspector’s job to test and examine fire prevention measures, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and evacuation plans. A large company may perform a fire safety drill for the inspector to oversee and provide feedback. For new building projects, a fire inspector supervises and approves fire prevention measures to ensure they meet state regulations. The job of fire inspector should not be confused with that of fire investigator. An investigator examines extinguished fires to find the source. An inspector examines buildings to prevent a fire from starting.

What is the difference between Fire Inspector vs Fire Investigator?

AspectFire InspectorFire Investigator
CertificationsFire Inspector Certification, State Fire Marshal LicenseFire Investigator Certification, State Fire Marshal License
Work EnvironmentInspections of buildings, code enforcement, safety assessmentsInvestigating fire causes, scene analysis, evidence collection
Employer & IndustryFire departments, government agencies, commercial propertiesFire departments, law enforcement, insurance companies
Primary FocusPreventing fires, ensuring code complianceDetermining fire origin and cause

While both Fire Inspectors and Fire Investigators work within fire safety, Fire Inspectors focus on prevention and code enforcement through building inspections, whereas Fire Investigators analyze fire scenes to determine causes. Their roles often overlap but serve different stages of fire safety and investigation processes.

How to become a firefighter inspector?

To become a firefighter inspector, candidates typically need a combination of firefighting experience, such as working as a firefighter or emergency responder, and specialized training in fire codes and inspection procedures. Many states require certification through programs like the Fire Inspector I and II certifications, which involve coursework and exams. Gaining knowledge of fire prevention, safety standards, and inspection tools is essential for this role.

What are Fire Inspectors?

Fire Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining buildings and properties to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal fire codes and regulations. They look for potential fire hazards, check fire prevention systems, and educate property owners about fire safety practices. Fire Inspectors may also investigate the causes of fires and help develop fire safety plans to prevent future incidents. Their work is crucial in helping to reduce the risk of fires and improve public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Inspector, you need a thorough understanding of fire codes, building safety regulations, and inspection procedures, typically supported by relevant certifications or formal fire science training. Familiarity with inspection software, fire modeling tools, and reporting systems is crucial for accurate documentation and analysis. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help Fire Inspectors work collaboratively with property owners and emergency personnel. These skills ensure compliance with safety standards, minimize fire risks, and protect communities from potential hazards.

What are some of the common challenges fire inspectors face during building inspections?

Fire inspectors often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with evolving fire codes, addressing resistance or lack of cooperation from property owners, and identifying hidden hazards in older or non-standard buildings. They must balance thoroughness with efficiency, often working on tight schedules while maintaining accuracy in their reports. Good communication and up-to-date technical knowledge are essential to overcome these challenges and ensure public safety.

How hard is it to become a fire inspector?

Becoming a fire inspector typically requires a combination of education, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and experience as a firefighter or in a related field. Many states also require certification or licensing, which involves passing exams and gaining relevant training, making the process moderately challenging depending on individual qualifications and local requirements.

Are fire inspectors in demand?

Fire inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for fire safety inspections in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Employment for fire inspectors is expected to grow as safety regulations become more stringent and building codes evolve, often requiring certifications and knowledge of fire prevention techniques.
More about Fire Inspector jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Fire Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL? For Fire Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Fire Inspector jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Fire Inspector job openings:
Fire Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,806 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Fire Protection Program Manager (IL/WI Market)

Fire Protection Program Manager (IL/WI Market)

Advocate Aurora Health

Oak Brook, IL

$59 - $88.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Advocate Aurora Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 772 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Department:

11996 Regional Non Enterprise Corporate - Plant Operations: Regulatory Support Svcs

Status:

Full time

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Hours Per Week:

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information:

  • This position will support both enterprise initiatives and the WI and IL market
  • Licensed Fire Protection Engineer in WI and IL

Pay Range

$59.00 - $88.50

It's More Than a Job, It's a Calling!

Position: Fire Protection Program Manager

Location: Will support the IL/WI enterprise market

Full Time; 1st Shift

Major Responsibilities:

  • Program Development and Implementation:Serves as the enterprise authority on fire protection engineering.Develops, implements, andmonitorsenterprise-wide programs that drive value in the organization.
  • Fire and Life Safety Code Consulting:Provides expert consulting on local,stateand federal fire and life safety codes, including relevant ICC codes and NFPA standards, ensuring compliance and safety across Advocate Health facilities.
  • Surveys and Assessments:Performs fire protection and/or life safety related surveys in a variety of buildings such as hospitals, high-rises, freestanding emergencydepartmentsand medical office buildings toidentifypotential risks and areas for improvement.Preparesdetailed technical reports based on survey findings.
  • Partnering with BIM:Collaborate with the Building Information Modeling (BIM) team to ensure that life safety code drawings are accurately updated to reflect any changes needed from inspections and assessments.
  • Fire Safety Strategies:Develops and implements fire safety strategies for special hazards, tailored to the unique needs of healthcare environments.
  • Regulatory Compliance and CMS Equivalency Review:Conducts comprehensive reviews of CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) equivalencies and waivers related to fire protection and building construction across the enterprise. Includes Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) analysis to ensure compliance andoptimizesafety strategies.
  • Fire Protection Systems:Utilizesworking knowledge of active fire protection systems, includingselection, design, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
  • Education and Training:Facilitatescontinuing education and training opportunities for teammatesto enhance their skills in fire and life safety.
  • Incident Investigation:Investigate fire incidents and recommend improvements to prevent future occurrences, enhancing overall safety.In compliance with Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements,ensurestimelyreporting of incidents.
  • Collaboration on Projects:Collaborate with architects, engineers, and construction teams on new healthcare facility projects and renovations to integrate fire protection measures from the design phase through completion.
  • Insurance Risk Mitigation Collaboration:Partners with the organization's insurance carrier to review and implement recommendations aimed at reducing Maximum Foreseeable Loss (MFL). Develops and integrates risk mitigation strategies into facility operations and capital projects to enhance fire protection and resilience.
  • Committee Participation:Co-chairs and/orparticipatesin the Enterprise Regulatory and Safety Council.Participatesin other councils and committees as needed.
  • Participates indepartmentsinitiatives.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Fire Protection Engineering.
  • Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM), or other related industry certificationsrequiredwithin 1 year of hire.
  • Other related industry certificationsrequiredwithin 1 year of hire.

Education Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering preferably from an ABET accredited program, aBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineeringwith a Master's in Fire Protection, OR equivalent ABET accredited degree.

Experience Required:

  • Minimum of 10 years of professional working experience in fire protection engineering, with at least 5 years in a healthcare setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

  • In-depth knowledge of fire protection systems and technologies.
  • Familiarity required with healthcare-specific fire safety codes and standards (e.g., CMS, TJC, NFPA 101, NFPA 99).
  • Solid understanding of relevant software includingBlueBeam, Microsoft Office Suite, and facilities Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information in a clear and understandable manner to diverse audiences
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and cultivate strong internal and external relationships.
  • Detail-oriented,demonstratedorganizational and time management skills, and ability to manage/prioritize, track, and complete tasks/projects within established deadlines.
  • Ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems
  • Committed to customer service,timelyresponse, collaboration, cooperative professional relationships, and diversity.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Ability to conduct site inspections, which may include climbing ladders and accessing spaces such as mechanical rooms, hot locations, both inside and outside of facilities.
  • Work involves exposure to construction sites and operational healthcare facilities.
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 35% of the time as dictated by business needs.
  • Valid driver's licenserequired.

PreferredJobRequirements:

Education:

  • Master's Degree in Fire Protection or related field.

Experience Required:

  • Current orpreviousexperience as a member of the National Fire Protection (NFPA) committees relevant to health care facilities such as the NFPA 101 Technical Committee.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

  • Active membership in a recognized professional organization such as the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) or equivalent,demonstratingongoing commitment to professional development and staying current with industry standards and practices.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our CommitmenttoYou:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

  • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

  • Paid Time Off programs
  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, andShort- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
  • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
  • Educational Assistance Program

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

What Advocate Aurora Health employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

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